Lance Corporal Shenkin III, the Regimental Goat Mascot of 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh, who has sadly died. He is pictured with Goat Major Sergeant Mark Jackson.

While leading rugby players, and officers and soldiers in Freedom Parades throughout Wales, Shenkin has been a symbol for The Royal Welsh and for Wales.

He will have a headstone commissioned that will be placed outside Regimental Headquarters.

His headstone in Maindy Barracks, Cardiff, will join those of his predecessors who have served The Royal Welsh and antecedent Regiments.

Sergeant Mark “Jacko” Jackson has been at Shenkin’s side for the past five and a half years.

He said: "He was a legend. He wasn’t just a Regimental goat, but part of my family as well.

"He loved a crowd and was a total poser."

Lance Corporal Shenkin III, the Regimental Goat Mascot of 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh, who has sadly died.

Shenkin is paraded around the pitch before Wales play Australia in Cardiff in 2014 (Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Lieutenant Colonel Nigel Crewe-Read, commanding officer 3R Welsh, said: “Shenkin was the figurehead for the battalion and would lead us wherever we went. He was a symbol of the great traditions of The Royal Welsh."

Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Chris Kilminster, Regimental Secretary of The Royal Welsh, said: "LCpl Shenkin was always very steady on parade and was immaculate at the presentation of new colours to the Regiment by Her Majesty The Queen in 2015 at, what was then named, the Millennium Stadium. He had a real rapport with the public, across all ages."

Lance Corporal Shenkin III, the Regimental Goat Mascot of 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh, who has sadly died. He is pictured with Goat Major Sergeant Mark Jackson.

The process of finding Shenkin’s successor from the Royal Herd at the Great Orme will soon begin.

Meanwhile, Llywelyn, the Regimental Goat for 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh will assume Shenkin's duties, including that of leading the Wales team out for the autumn Internationals at the Principality Stadium.

The case for official mascot recognition is presented before the Army Honours and Distinction Committee, and by receiving official status the mascot attains a regimental number, assumes proper rank and with prospects of promotion.